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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum 'Greek'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

oregano 'Greek'

A hardy, upright perennial with highly aromatic, dark green leaves that dry well for culinary use. White flowers appear in mid-summer and last through to autumn

Synonyms
Origanum vulgare 'Greek'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Origanum may be herbaceous perennials or deciduous or evergreen sub-shrubs, with aromatic foliage and spikes of small tubular flowers usually with conspicuous bracts

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well drained, alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade. See marjoram cultivation for more information Appears on Oregano & Marjoram trials index - see rhs.org.uk/trials-awards

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Cut back in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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